Arassay Reyes

Updated Thu. Nov. 20 2008 11:02 PM ET

Voted off Top 8

It's been a life-changing year for Arassay Reyes. Born and raised in Havana, Cuba, Arassay had only been in Canada for three months before taking a chance at the So You Think You Can Dance Canada Vancouver auditions. "Coming to Canada and having to learn a new language, and figure out a whole new culture, has been a tremendous adjustment."

Dance has always been a part of Arasay's life, picking up Latin, comtemporary and folk dance when she was young. She then attended the Cuban National School of the Arts, later earning a spot in the National Contemporary Dance Company of Cuba (Danza Contemporanea de Cuba). She now calls South Surrey, B.C. home, and is currently dancing with the Vancouver dance company Grupo America.

When Arassay found out she'd made it into the So You Think You Can Dance Canada Top 20, she was in shock. "I was shaking, I couldn't believe it, I felt like I couldn't move - they actually had to remind me to leave the stage!"

No stranger to the dance world, Arassay knows becoming Canada's favourite dancer is about more than just technique. "It isn't enough to be a great dancer, you have to be unique and reveal yourself through dance."

Supporting her along the way are her parents and stepmom, people Arassay looks to for inspiration. "They have sacrificed so much for me, and they have always believed in me."

Like many other Top 20 finalists, Arassay would love to one day perform with So You Think You Can Dance choreographer Mia Michaels. "Her dances are so beautiful, so creative, and so heartfelt." But above all, Arassay is looking forward to dancing with the other Top 20 competitors. "I know they are amazing dancers, and I think it will be incredible to dance and perform with them!"

Arassay believes it was confidence that helped her make it into the Top 20, and advises other hopefuls to never give up. "Don't put yourself down, have faith, and show everyone what you can do."